ARLINGTON -- Outfielder Alex Rios was on the field 4 1/2 hours before Friday's game with the Angels. The Rangers wanted Rios to go through a series of tests on his right ankle to make sure he was good enough to play right field.

The Rangers decided he was, so Shin-Soo Choo, who is dealing with a sprained left ankle, was used at designated hitter.

"We wanted to see if Rios could play defense," manager Ron Washington said. "We made it known to him, don't start something you can't finish."

Rios, who originally sustained the injury in the second game after the All-Star break, said he was good enough all the ankle continues to bother him.

"I'll have to deal with a little bit of pain but hopefully it won't affect my performance," Rios said. "I'm good enough to be playing tonight."